NBI apologizes for agent’s unprofessional conduct with media covering anti-drug ops

NBI logo over a shot of the facade of its headquarters

MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has apologized to the media members who might have been offended by an agent’s actions during the aftermath of an anti-drug operation, saying that they are looking into the matter.

The NBI was referring to the incident early Friday morning where an agent got into an argument with members of the media who were covering the anti-drug operation along Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City.

According to reports from radio station DZBB, the reporters who covered the operation — including their reporter — were being asked to sign the inventory of the seized illegal substances as part of the customary procedures in a drug bust.

The reporters, however, refused to sign the documents, saying they only arrived at the scene after the operation had ended, leading the NBI agent to hurl insults at the reporters.

“The [NBI] offers its apology to the members of the media regarding the incident that transpired at dawn today involving the drug operation in Roxas Boulevard,” NBI said in a statement posted on its social media pages.

“While we try to observe standard operating procedures, given the technicalities in the conduct of field operations, the actions of some of our agents may have offended some media members,” it added.

According to the NBI, the agency is looking into the matter, adding that they appreciate reporters’ role in such operations.

“Nonetheless, we are looking into the matter and we are taking steps to ensure that this kind of behavior does not happen again,” NBI said.

“We appreciate the role of the media in drug-related operations and commit to maintaining a fair and professional relationship with them,” it added.

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